Surviving the Holidays Amidst a Global Pandemic: The M.E.C.C.A Approach

As the festive season dawns upon us, a sense of unease and anxiety pervades the atmosphere. Concerns for personal health and the well-being of loved ones have become the pressing issue of the hour. Questions like “Can I safely visit my elderly parents?” or “Can my grown-up children return home for Christmas?” create constant worry. The current economic climate is also a source of stress, with many families grappling with financial constraints. The joy of gifting presents and even affording a Christmas tree becomes a challenge.

These burdens weigh heavily on me, just like everyone else. A tradition spanning over 35 years, where I celebrated New Year’s with my three closest friends and our families, is under threat. However, this holiday season, I have decided to implement a new routine for myself, driven by five daily activities. These actions help me find calm, happiness, and peace. I have dubbed this routine M.E.C.C.A, which stands for Meditate, Exercise, Create, Connect, and Accomplish.

The M.E.C.C.A Routine: Your Key to a Stress-free Holiday

1. Meditate

Begin your day with a brief session of meditation. I personally use “Headspace,” a platform offering ten-minute daily guided meditation. Despite waking up with a desire to skip meditation, I find myself feeling rejuvenated and relaxed post-meditation. It sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.

2. Exercise

Make exercise a part of your daily routine. It doesn’t have to be strenuous – walking the dog, using an elliptical trainer, or lifting weights can suffice. The rush of endorphins post-exercise leaves you feeling better and helps combat the extra calories consumed during the holiday season.

3. Create

Engage in creative pursuits like writing, painting, or quilting. Transforming emotions into a creative output can be therapeutic, helping cope with stress. Plus, handmade gifts add a personalized touch to the holiday season.

4. Connect

Feeling lonely is a common sentiment during holidays, more so this year due to the necessity of staying home. Make an effort to connect with your loved ones. Instead of relying solely on text messages, pick up the phone and have a conversation. Reach out to friends, family, and relatives. Even if the conversation revolves around the pandemic, the connection can be comforting.

5. Accomplish

Make it a goal to accomplish at least one task every day, especially those that have been pending for a while. Completing these tasks not only reduces stress but also brings a sense of accomplishment. Maybe this will be the year you finally organize that Christmas paper bin.

While we continue to navigate through these uncertain times, it’s crucial to make the best out of this unusual holiday season. Implementing the M.E.C.C.A routine can help maintain your mental health and establish a grounding routine. As for me, you’ll find me meditating, exercising (albeit reluctantly), creating blogs, and connecting with friends. You might also catch me decluttering my garage, discarding old wrapping paper.

Despite the current circumstances, take time to enjoy the little moments – the twinkling lights on your neighbor’s house, the joy of gifting, and the pleasure of connecting with loved ones. We have overcome many adversities in the past, and this too shall pass. Wishing you a peaceful and happy holiday season!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does holistic actually mean?

Holistic refers to being whole-based. It means looking at the whole picture rather than just part of it. It is difficult to do this because we tend to see things as individual parts.

We tend to think of black and then white. However, grey comes in a wide range of shades.

So, when working on a project, try to see everything from different angles. Look at it from all sides.

Take the time to look at it as a whole. What are the interactions between its different elements?

You should also ask yourself why the problem is occurring. Make sure to take into account the impact of every change you make.

What’s the Difference Between Naturopathic Medicine & Holistic Medicine.

The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine relies heavily on drugs and surgery to treat its patients. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM is not considered a substitute for conventional treatment but rather an addition to helping patients who want to take control of their healthcare by choosing what they believe is most appropriate.

Naturopathy, on other hand, is used as a complement to conventional medical treatments. It treats the whole person, including mind and soul. There are many kinds of naturopathy.

It is important to note that some CAM modalities overlap with conventional medicine. Both doctors and Naturopaths can prescribe herbal remedies. However, naturopaths emphasize lifestyle changes more than prescription drugs.

Naturopathy is often called “complementary” or “complementary”, because it works with traditional medicine rather than replacing it. Naturopaths might prescribe medication if necessary.

There are differences between naturopathic medicines and other CAM modalities.

Naturopaths don’t usually prescribe medication.
Naturopaths are able to work closely with patients’ family physicians and refer them to specialists when necessary.
Naturopathic doctors are licensed by the provincial licensing boards. CAM practitioners, however, are self-regulated.
Naturopathy focuses on prevention and wellness and offers education about diet, exercise, and nutrition.
Naturopaths are very conscious of lifestyle factors. They emphasize nutrition, sleep and stress management as well as exercise and mental health.
Naturopharmacists focus on the use of minerals and botanicals to treat certain conditions.
Naturopodists can provide personalized care, based on the individual needs of each patient.
The College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario is responsible for licensing Naturopaths.
The provincial regulatory bodies issue licenses to naturopatrists.
Naturopaticians have been registered with The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia is responsible for licensing Naturotherapists.
Naturobiotic therapists are licensed by the United States National Board of Medical Examiners.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency licenses homeopaths.
The belief that all aspects should be considered in making health decisions is called “holistic”. Holistic doctors will examine all aspects of your health, not just one.

Complementary and Alternative Healthcare: Does it Have Evidence?

While the evidence base in complementary and alternative medicine remains incomplete, there are many good reasons to choose them. They may have tried conventional treatments but found them ineffective, or they may want to try an alternative therapy because they believe it offers benefits over conventional care. Alternatively, they might seek complementary and alternative medicines as part of a holistic approach to health. It is vital that patients verify that all complementary and alternative medicines are supported by scientific evidence. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any doubts about whether the treatment is working. This could save you time and money in the long-term.

Which treatments are not part of holistic medicine and why?

Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person as a healing approach, rather than just the symptoms. It helps people to recover from illness by promoting health and preventing disease.

Holistic medicine relies on natural remedies such homeopathy, herbs, and acupuncture to replace drugs and surgery.

Holistic medicine involves lifestyle changes such diet, exercise and yoga.

Integrative medicine is also known as holistic medicine. It integrates all aspects, including the patient’s spiritual, mental, and physical needs, into a single comprehensive care plan.

Holistic medicine emphasizes prevention and early diagnosis of disease and encourages healthy lifestyles.

Holistic doctors believe that there are many causes for any condition. Instead, holistic doctors consider the whole picture, including genetics, environment, lifestyle choices and personal habits.

Holistic practitioners are more concerned with the mind, emotions, or spirit than they are about the body.

Holistic physicians consult with their patients to help them determine the best option for them.

Statistics

The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)

External Links

How To

What are the Advances and Shortcomings of Holistic Medicine.

Holistic medicine refers to a medical approach that stresses the importance of the mind, body and spirit in healing. It was created by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), whose first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure (1924), describes the process. He used simple techniques such as meditation, visualization, and hypnosis. This treatment helped people suffering from stress, anxiety, depression, pain, insomnia, and many other diseases. This therapy is also helpful for patients who want to improve their lives and cope with their issues.

Although holistic therapies have been around for a while, the lack of scientific evidence has made them less popular. However, some studies show that these treatments can help reduce symptoms associated with chronic conditions such as asthma, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, migraine, obesity, osteoporosis, and others.

Holistic medicine has both its strengths and its weaknesses.

Insufficient scientific evidence. A few carefully designed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), have evaluated the effectiveness of holistic therapies. Positive results are found in the majority of observational studies.
It is cheaper than traditional medicine. Alternative medicines are more affordable than traditional medicine, especially if the patient follows natural eating habits.
Patients don’t feel pressured to follow the prescribed protocol.
Many doctors will recommend complementary treatments, even if they are not prescribed.
Many holistic therapies can be used alongside conventional medicine. Acupuncture is often combined with medications or surgery.
Alternative therapies are believed to be more effective than conventional medicine.
Alternative medicines are considered more “natural” than conventional drugs.
Many patients also use complementary treatments to support their lifestyle changes. They not only want to live a healthy life but also want to be happy.
Patients who use holistic treatments are generally healthier.
Holistic treatments are becoming popular among older adults.
More research needs to be conducted on complementary treatments.
Studies show that most people prefer to try alternative treatments before going to a doctor.
It is important for doctors to realize that not all patients will benefit equally from alternate treatments.
Holistic treatments must be an integral part of culture and education.
Holistic treatments are not always safe.
We must learn how to teach patients about different therapies so that they can make informed decisions.
Holistic treatments are not just for hippies.
Holistic treatments cannot cure certain diseases.
Sometimes holistic treatments can prove dangerous.
For certain conditions, holistic therapies are beneficial.
Holistic treatments are effective.
Holistic therapies are based upon ancient wisdom.
Holistic treatments are easy to learn.
It can be difficult to learn holistic therapies.
Holistic therapies are difficult to learn.
Holistic treatments can be too costly.
Holistic treatments can be very costly.
Holistic treatments can be less expensive than conventional medicines.
Holistic treatment is more expensive than conventional medicine.

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Holistic Medicine–A Brief History

Holistic medicine treats the whole person. It is not about treating their symptoms. It addresses all aspects, including the physical, emotional and mental, as well as cultural, social, occupational, environmental, and cultural factors. It is a way to prevent illness through diet, exercise or stress management.

The first holistic medical school was established at Bastyr University in Seattle in 1972. Holistic medicine was born after Dr. Andrew Weil published “Spontaneous Healing” 1996. Dr. David Williams, and Dr. Michael Murray founded the American Holistic Medical Association in 1997. Today, there are hundreds of holistic medicine schools worldwide, including Bastyr University, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons, Maharishi Ayurveda Institute, Pacific School of Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and many others.

2013 was the year holistic medicine was declared one of the five main trends in healthcare by the World Health Organization. This trend integrates conventional care with complementary therapies like homeopathy, acupuncture or herbalism, massage, therapy, reiki, yoga and meditation. This integration is designed to deliver safe, effective, patient-centered healthcare while minimising side effects and costs.

Holistic medicine works due to the interconnectedness between our mind-body-spirit. Illness can occur when any one of these three components is out of balance. This is an example:

When your mind is anxious or stressed, you can become tense and out-of-balance. Your body responds by producing cortisol, a hormone that increases inflammation throughout your body. As a result, you feel tired, weak, and sick.

You feel negative emotions such as anger, fear, grief and sadness when your emotions are high. These feelings cause stress in your brain. Untreated, stress can cause your body to make adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline boosts heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate. Cortisol has a negative impact on your immune system and digestive tract. Both hormones can lead to fatigue, muscle tension headaches and dizziness, anxiety, depression, and other health issues.

A depressed spirit can lead to a loss of faith and hope. A lack of self-esteem and confidence can also lead to low self-esteem. This can lead to poor eating habits, unhealthy relationship patterns, and low energy. Healthy spirits make you happy, positive, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic.

There is a difference between alternative and allopathic medicine

Allopathic medicine is based upon the scientific method. Doctors use x-rays (MRIs, CAT scanners), and other technologies to diagnose patients. When necessary, they prescribe medication and perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe their knowledge of human anatomy and the best ways to treat diseases. Alternative medicine uses herbs, vitamins, minerals, diet, exercise, emotional support, spiritual healing, and more. There is no one standard definition for alternative medicine. Alternative medicine is also known as natural medicine or integrative medicine. Some refer to it as traditional, naturopathic, or CAM.

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